Identifying predictors of chiropractic outcomes

by Mortenson, Michelle D.

Abstract (Summary)

The Graduate College
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI 54751
Mortenson, Michelle D
Identifying Predictors of Chiropractic Outcomes
M.S. Applied Psychology Dr. Richard Tafalla 12/02 62pp
American Psychological Association (APA) 5th edition
Systematic reviews have identified several of the most consistent predictors of chiropractic
outcomes across studies, but researchers have not integrated these factors into a single
investigation. In addition, research on general health status and disease-specific questionnaires
in patients with back problems has been somewhat contradictory in the past. A pre-post test
research design was implemented in this study. The results of this research, using stepwise
regression and partial correlation analyses, suggest that co-morbidity, initial measure of disease,
working in a service occupation and previous visits to other health care providers best predict
short-term outcomes in chiropractic care. Also, the results reveal that the SF-36, a general health
status questionnaire, is not adequate to predict disease specific change in patients’ function over
time.
Identifying Predictors iii